Fluid level gauge or reservoir with built-in light source

ABSTRACT

An improved fluid level verification apparatus with an integral, internal source of illumination that is powered by an integral, internal energy source and is activated by a motion sensor or any other sensor commonly known In the art to detect the presence of a person in dark or dimly lit environments. The preferred light source is a light emitting diode (LED). A second embodiment of the integral, internal source of illumination that is powered by an integral, internal energy source and is activated by a motion sensor or any other sensor commonly known in the art to detect the presence of a person in dark or dimly lit environments is applied to a fluid reservoir tank.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/851,243, filed 21 Dec. 2017.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices that illuminate fluidlevel verification gauges which ate operable to measure the amount offluid present in a fluid container such as a tank, machine, or otherarticle of manufacture and more specifically, devices where the sourceof illumination is integrated with the fluid level gauge as a singleunit and activated by a sensor that detects movement such as thepresence of a person. Alternatively, the present invention relatesgenerally to devices that illuminate fluid reservoirs which areoperative to dispense fluids, such as lubricants to a machine or articleof manufacture. Again, more specifically devices where the source ofillumination is integrated with the fluid reservoir as a single unit andactivated by a sensor that detects movement such as the presence of aperson.

Fluid level verification devices are known in the art. A fluid levelverification device provides for an inspection tube having an interiorconduit dimensioned to create an interference fit with an o-ring used tohermetically seal the inspection tube to one or more end members. A morecommon fluid level verification device in the art provides for aninspection tube whereby both ends incorporate grooving and o-rings thatseal with opposing end members to isolate the inspection tube from theenvironment. A fluid level verification device in the art may alsoprovide for an external shield positioned about the inspection tube toprotect it from damage.

Illuminating a fluid level verification apparatus is also known in theart. For example, the prior art describes a lighting assembly that aidsin the visual indication of the fluid level in a container by utilizingfiber optic light cables in combination with a gas filled light sourceto illuminate the transparent fluid level indication viewing window.Another fluid level verification apparatus in the prior art provides fora separate backlighting illumination apparatus that attaches to sightglasses that indicate fluid level or flow. Yet another fluid levelverification apparatus in the prior art provides a liquid level gaugehaving a chamber connected to a tank containing a liquid, a transparentmember in the wall of the chamber, a light transmitting transparent rodextending through the chamber, and a light source shining rays of lightinto the rod from the exterior.

In addition, at present there are a variety of reservoirs for containingand dispensing fluids, such as lubricants. One common prior artreservoir uses a cylindrical or rectangular container with a screw ontop cover. Another uses a cylindrical or rectangular container with ascrew on bottom cover. In both instances, the containers may be madefrom glass or plastic. Another typical prior art reservoir utilizes atop end plate, a bottom end plate, a cylindrical body and a centrallylocated tie rod to secure the end plates to each end of the cylindricalbody. It is critical that these reservoirs have sufficient levels ofliquid, such as a lubricant within the reservoir and that thesereservoirs are refilled before reaching an empty condition.

Prior art has successfully introduced the ability to verify the fluidlevel in fluid level gauges and reservoirs in dark or dimly litenvironments through various illumination devices. However, althoughsome of the prior art contemplates sources of illumination that areintegral to the fluid level gauge, no integral sources of illuminationare coupled with a sensor that actives the source of illumination by thedetection of motion or another non-contact means. The current sources ofillumination embodied in the prior art require either indefiniteactivation of a light source or activation through a manual switchingmechanism. Therefore, a need exists for a fluid level verificationapparatus with an integral source of illumination coupled with anactivating sensor that detects the presence of a foreign body ormovement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide animproved fluid level verification apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid levelverification apparatus with a source of illumination that is integratedwith the apparatus as a single unit.

More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide afluid level verification apparatus with a source of illumination that isactivated by a sensing mechanism commonly known in the art to detectmovement caused, for example by the presence of a person.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid levelverification apparatus with an integral, sensor activated source ofillumination.

Yet another object of the present invention its to provide a fluid levelverification apparatus with a source of illumination that is activatedby a sensing mechanism commonly known in the art to detect the presenceof a person, with a source of illumination that is integrated with theapparatus as a single unit, in communication with a fluid tank orcontainer.

In one embodiment, the fluid level verification apparatus for a fluidcontainer having a light source capable of being activated by a person,comprises a transparent tube defining a fluid passage, chamber, or voidhaving oppositely disposed ends; a pair of longitudinally spaced apartend members, the respective end members, each having a cylindricalprojection extending therefrom in facing and axially alignedrelationship with the transparent tube; an integral, internal source ofillumination within one of the end members, that illuminates thetransparent tube; a sensor to detect the presence or movement of aforeign body; the sensor mechanically integrated with one of the endmembers; a power source integrated internally within one of the endmembers; said sensor coupled with the source of illumination in order toactivate the source of illumination upon detection of the presence ofthe foreign body. The source of illumination may comprise a lightemitting diode. The sensor may be a motion sensor. A support orprotective member having at least one wall may surround the transparenttube. The support member may be in communication with the respective endmembers. An electronics assembly may be electronically coupled to thepower source, the sensor, and the source of illumination. Theelectronics assembly may include a timer for turning off the source ofillumination after a pre-set time. Alternatively, the source ofillumination may turn off upon a failure to sense motion adjacent theapparatus.

In another embodiment, an improved fluid level verification apparatushaving a tubular transparent tube, and a pair of longitudinally spacedapart end members, comprises an integral, internal source ofillumination within one of said end members, that illuminates thetransparent tube; a sensor to detect the presence of a foreign body; thesensor mechanically integrated with one of the end members; a powersource integrated internally within one of said end members; anelectronics assembly electronically in communication with the powersource, the sensor, and the source of illumination; the sensor coupledwith the source of illumination in order to activate the source ofillumination upon detection of the presence of the foreign body. Thesource of illumination may comprise a light emitting diode. The sensormay be a motion sensor. A support member may have at least one wallsurrounding the transparent tube. The support member may be incommunication with said respective end members. The power source maycomprise a battery.

In another embodiment, a fluid reservoir having an integrated lightsource capable of being activated by a foreign body, the apparatus andreservoir comprise a reservoir tank, the reservoir tank having a wallseparating opposed first and second ends; at least one opening in afirst end of the reservoir tank; the at least one opening able toreceive an apparatus having; a housing; an integral, internal source ofillumination disposed within the housing that illuminates the reservoirtank; a sensor to detect the presence of the foreign body; the sensormechanically integrated with the housing; a power source integratedinternally within the housing; the sensor in communication with thesource of illumination in order to activate the source of illuminationupon detection of the presence of the foreign body. The source ofillumination may comprise a light emitting diode. The sensor may be amotion sensor. An electronics subassembly electronically may be incommunication with the power source, the sensor, and the source ofillumination. The power source may comprise a battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prospective view of a first embodiment of the presentinvention, as it would appear in the environment.

FIG. 2 is a side longitudinal sectional view of the first embodiment ofthe present invention taken along line 2-2 of FIG 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevated view of the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional fragmentary view of the firstembodiment of the present invention showing in detail an end member witha sensor, LED light, and electronics assembly.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal fragmentary view of the first embodiment of thepresent invention, showing the end member opposite that shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a reservoir tank in communication with a secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial top view of the reservoir tank in communication withthe second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional fragmentary view of the secondembodiment of the present invention showing in detail an end member witha sensor, LED light, and electronics assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodimentsherein disclosed merely exemplify the invention that may be embodied inother specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has beendescribed, the details may be changed without departing from theinvention, which is defined by the claims. Like parts, described herein,are designated by like reference numbers.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, there is illustrated a first embodiment ofan apparatus 11 utilizing a transparent tube 10. The transparent tube 10is encased and supported by a support member 12. Also depicted is a pairof end members, or end blocks 14 and 19. Both the first end block 14 andthe second end block 19 have six sides. First end block 14 contains anillumination assembly 75 which is potted into the first end block 14.The illumination assembly 75 within first end block 14 will be laterdescribed. The illumination assembly 75 includes a motion sensorsubassembly 22 which activates a LED lamp 46. The first threaded cap 16and second threaded cap 18 are separate and distinct from one anotherand each end cap threads into end blocks 14 and 19 respectively.

The transparent tube 10 in protected from the environment by the supportmember 12. As best shown in FIG. 2, the ends of the support member 12extend longitudinally beyond ends of the transparent tube 10. Opening 35in the support member 12 allows transparent tube 10 to be visible whilestill being protected by support member 12.

Referring next to FIGS. 2 and 4, first threaded cap 16 has an inwardlyfacing threaded shank 74. The threaded portion 73 of first threaded cap16 threads into first end block 14. Once first threaded cap 16 istightened into first end block 14, first end block 14 is scaled by thecompression of seal 70 into annular groove 72 formed in first end block14. First threaded cap 16 houses a spring battery terminal 32 whichcontacts one of the batteries 28 as it is axially compressed and held inposition within first end block 14.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, second threaded cap 18 has an inwardlyfacing threaded shank 74. The threaded portion 73 of second threaded cap18 threads into second end block 19, second threaded cap 18 to secondend block 19. Once second threaded cap 18 is tightened onto second endblock 19, second end block 19 is sealed by the compression of seal 70into annular groove 72 formed in support member 12

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, first end block 14 and second end block19 are adapted with cylindrical projections extending centrally toreceive the distal ends of transparent tube 10, which is then placedlongitudinally inside of the support member 12. The transparent tube 10is connected in fluid flowing relation to an object of interest, such asa tank (not shown). The ends of transparent tube 10 fittingly contactseal 36 and compression seal 76 to prevent fluid leakage. The respectivefasteners 20 comprise a smooth surface 40, a threaded, exterior facingsurface 42, and a channel 44. Interposed on the smooth surface 40 at aright angle is a fluid passageway 48. The fasteners 20 are arranged tobe seated into passageway 58 of first end block 14 and second end block19.

Seals 56 and 65 are fittingly placed around the smooth surface 40 offastener 20 and seated into annular grooves 54 and 67 respectively toprevent fluid leakage through the passageway 58. So connected, thecompression exerted on the respective fastener 20 compresses the seal 56against the face of the first end block 14, thus facilitating a hermeticclosure. Similarly, the seal 65 resting on the fastener 20 at thejunction of the threaded, exterior facing surface 42 and the smoothsurface 40 is compressed at the annular groove 67 creating a hermeticclosure of the seal 65, the annular groove 67, and passageway 58 of theend blocks 14 and 19. Seal 65 also seals against the tank surface (notshewn) to prevent leakage around the threaded, exterior facing surface42 when the fluid level verification apparatus is mounted to the tank.

Fluid dispensed from and returning to the object of interest, such as atank (not shown but including an entrance threaded opening matching thethreaded, exterior facing surfaces 42 of the fasteners 20), flowsthrough the fastener 20 by means of the channel 44 and fluid passageway48. Two unblocked passageways are shown in FIG. 2 between the passageway58 of the end blocks 14 and 19, the fluid passageways 48 of the smoothsurfaces 40, the first components 62 and 61, and a fluid passage,chamber, or void 64 passing through the transparent tube 10. Fluidenters the first component 61 of second end block 19, and fills thefluid passage, chamber, or void 64 of the inspection sight tube member10 to the liquid level of the tank supporting the transparent tube 10.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5, second end block 19 comprises athreaded fastener 82 having a threaded 78 and chamfered 68 portion thatthreadingly engages with second end block 19, and sits between smoothsurface 40 of fastener 20 and transparent tube 10. Transparent tube 10compresses compression seal 76 against threaded fastener 82 to preventfluid leakage out of the apparatus. First component 61 in threadedfastener 82 mates fittingly with fluid passageway 48 of fastener 20.First component 61 has a reduced diameter 60 and chamfered portion 68accommodates compression of compression seal 76 for hermetic sealing.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a first end block 14 accommodates anillumination assembly 75 with a motion sensor subassembly 22, anelectronics subassembly 34, a LED lamp 46, batteries 28 housed within abattery cup 27, and a spring battery terminal 32. Motion sensor 26detects the presence of a foreign body, signaling the electronicssubassembly 34, which is powered by batteries 28, to activate lightemitting diode (LED) lamp 46.

Referring specifically to FIG. 4, the electronics subassembly 34 maycontain a timing circuit incorporated therein to control the switchingof LED Lamp 46. The motion sensor subassembly 22 consists of a lens 24which is adhesively mounted superficially above the motion sensor 26,which is adhesively mounted into opening 50 in first end block 14.Motion sensor 26 is electrically wired to electronics subassembly 34,and electronics sub assembly 34 is wired to its power source, such asbatteries 28, by positive node 30 and ground wire 38. Positive node 30is seated into an opening in battery cup 27 to contact batteries 28.Ground wire 38 contacts the inside surface of block 14 which is housedcentrally within first threaded cap 16 and faces inward toward thebatteries 28. LED lamp 46 is attached to electronics subassembly 34 byLED wires 80. The LED wires 80 extend centrally inward into transparenttube 10 by traveling adjacent to smooth surface 40 of fastener 20 andfurther through first component 62 of first end block 14. Electronicssubassembly 34 is securely potted in channel 13 of first end block 14with potting compound 15.

The transparent tube 10 may be manufactured from glass. However, varioussubstrates such as nylon, polycarbonate, or other synthetic materialsmay be used. While shown to be cylindrical in shape, it is conceivablethat, other fluid passage, chamber, or void cross-sectionalconfigurations could be utilized.

The support member 12 and the end blocks 14 and 19 may be manufacturedfrom steel, or other metals with similar qualities.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 6 to 8, a second embodiment of theapparatus 11 is applied to a reservoir tank 84. The reservoir tankcomprises a wall 90 separating an opposed first end 86 and second end88. A least one opening (not illustrated in the figures) in the firstend 86 of the reservoir tank 90 receives the second embodiment of theapparatus 11. The second embodiment of the apparatus 11 is preferably inmechanical communication with the reservoir tank 84 through theprojection 69. Alternatively, the second embodiment of the apparatus 11may be in moldable communication with the reservoir tank 84.Alternatively, the second embodiment of the apparatus 11 may be inadhesive communication with the reservoir tank 84.

Referring specifically to FIG. 7, the second embodiment of the apparatus11 is in communication with the top side 89 of the first end 86, wherethe top side 89 is not facing the interior cavity of the reservoir tank84. The second embodiment, of the apparatus 11 communicates with the topside 89 in a manner which provides for a portion of the secondembodiment of the apparatus 11 to extend from the top side 89 throughthe first end thickness and resides within the interior cavity of thereservoir rank 84 and a portion of the second embodiment of theapparatus 11 resides exterior from the reservoir tank 84.

Referring specifically to FIG. 8, the second embodiment of the apparatus11 comprises one end member, a second embodiment of the first end block14. The second embodiment of the first end block 14 contains anillumination assembly 75 which is potted into the second embodiment ofthe first end block 14. The illumination assembly 75 within the secondembodiment of the first end block 14 will be later described. Theillumination assembly 75 includes a motion sensor subassembly 22 whichactivates a light source such as LED lamp 46.

A first threaded cap 16 threads into the second embodiment of the endblocks 14. The first threaded cap 16 has an inwardly facing threadedshank 74. The threaded portion 73 of first threaded cap 16 threads intofirst end block 14, first threaded cap 16 to first end block 14. Oncefirst threaded cap 16 is tightened into first end block 14, first endblock 14 is sealed by the compression of seal 70 into annular groove 72formed in first end block 14. First threaded cap 16 houses a springbattery terminal 32 which contacts one of the batteries 28 as it isaxially compressed and secured onto first end block 14.

First end block 14 is adapted with a projection 69 extending centrallyfor insertion into the opening 87 of the first end 86 of the reservoirtank 84. The projection 69 includes a groove 101 that retains an O-ring100. O-ring 100 has an interference fit with the opening or clearancehole 87 formed in fist end 86 of reservoir tank 84.

A first end block 14 accommodates an illumination assembly 75 with amotion sensor subassembly 22, an electronics subassembly 34 a LED lamp46, batteries 28 housed within a battery cup 27, and a spring batteryterminal 32. Motion sensor 26 detects the presence of a foreign body,signaling the electronics subassembly 34, which is powered by batteries28, to activate light emitting diode (LED) lamp 46.

The electronics subassembly 34 may contain a timing circuit to controlthe switching of LED lamp 46. The motion sensor subassembly 22 consistsof a lens 24 which is adhesively mounted superficially above the motionsensor itself 26, which is adhesively mounted into opening 50 in firstend block 14. Motion sensor 26 is electrically wired to electronicssubassembly 34, and electronics subassembly 34 is wired to its powersource, batteries 28, by positive node 30 and ground wire 38. Positivenode 30 is seated into an opening in battery cup 27 to contact batteries28. Ground wire 33 contacts the inside surface of block 14 which ishoused centrally within first threaded cap 16 and faces inward towardthe batteries 28. LED lamp 46 is attached to electronics subassembly 34by LED wires 80. The LED wires 80 extend centrally through component 99of second embodiment of the first end block 14 and beyond the secondembodiment of the first end block 14. Electronics subassembly 34 issecurely potted in channel 13 of first end block 14 with pottingcompound 15.

The first end block 14 may be manufactured from steel, or other metalswith similar malleable qualities.

The above-described embodiments of this invention are merely descriptiveof its principles and are not to be limited. The scope of this inventioninstead shall be determined from the scope of the following claims,including their equivalents.

We Claim:
 1. In a fluid level verification apparatus for a fluidcontainer comprising: at least one end member; said end member incommunication with said container; a light source disposed within saidend member that illuminates said container; a sensor, integrated withsaid end member, to detect a presence of a foreign body; said sensorcoupled with said light source in order to activate said light sourceupon detection of a foreign body; the improvement comprising; said lightsource comprising a unitary light dissemination device.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein said sensor is a motion sensor.
 3. The apparatus inclaim 1, wherein an electronics assembly is electronically incommunication with at least one of said sensor and said unitary lightdissemination device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein saidelectronics assembly is electronically in communication with a powersource.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said power source isintegrated within said end member.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, whereinsaid power source is a battery.
 7. A fluid level verification apparatusfor a fluid container, the apparatus comprising: a transparent tubedefining a chamber and having oppositely disposed ends; a pair oflongitudinally spaced apart end members, said respective end memberseach having a cylindrical projection extending therefrom and in axiallyaligned relationship with said transparent tube; and each being in fluidcommunication with said transparent tube and said container; a unitarylight dissemination device disposed within one of said end members thatIlluminates said transparent tube; a sensor, integrated with one of saidend members, to detect a presence of a foreign body; and said sensorcoupled with said unitary light dissemination device in order toactivate said unitary light dissemination device upon detection of saidforeign body.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said sensor is amotion sensor.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a supportmember having at least one wall surrounding said transparent tube. 10.The apparatus in claim 9, wherein said support member is in contact withsaid respective end members.
 11. The apparatus in claim 7, wherein anelectronics assembly is electronically in communication with at leastone of said sensor and said unitary light dissemination device.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein said electronics assembly iselectronically in communication with a power source.
 13. The apparatusof claim 12, wherein said power source is integrated within one of saidend members.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said power source isa battery.
 15. In a fluid level verification apparatus for a fluidretaining reservoir, the apparatus and reservoir comprising: a reservoirtank, said reservoir tank having a wall separating opposed first andsecond ends; a least one opening in a first end of said reservoir tank;said at least one opening able to receive an apparatus having: an atleast one end member; an isotropic illuminating device disposed withinat least one of said at least one end member that illuminates saidreservoir tank; a sensor, integrated with at least one of said at leastone end member, to detect a presence of a foreign body; and said sensorin communication with said isotropic illuminating device in order toactivate said isotropic illuminating device upon detection of saidforeign body.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said sensor is amotion sensor.
 17. The apparatus in claim 15, wherein an electronicsassembly is electronically in communication with at least one of saidsensor and said isotropic illuminating device.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein said electronics assembly is electronically incommunication with a power source.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18,wherein said power source is a battery integrated within at least one ofsaid at least one end member.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinsaid first end comprising a top of said reservoir tank.